Oilers' head coach Kris Knoblauch enters 2025-26 NHL season amid internal controversy
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The upcoming 2025-26 NHL will be, perhaps more than any in recent history, the Oilers' most-controversial and filled with storylines season, which head coach Kris Knoblauch is well-suited to handle.
Kris Knoblauch's coaching style demonstrates a calm and composed leadership, which his team will need from him behind the bench; but also in front of the media as the Connor McDavid contract-saga continues to unfold.
Kris Knoblauch enters training camp with revamped, younger roster and goalie-decisions to make
The personable head coach emphasizes getting the most out of every player, not just the stars, but making the entire roster feel involved and trusted. With youth like Ike Howard and Matt Savoie, this style will likely pay dividends with the talented prospects.
It's also important to note that Knoblauch's primary responsibility as a coach is the team's overall success, which can sometimes involve making difficult choices regarding player's roles, or ice time if performance warrants it.
Where the team's goaltending is concerned, Knoblauch will most likely decide to start the new season with Stuart Skinner, for various reasons.
Skinner has demonstrated consistency over five NHL seasons, maintaining a regular-season record of 98-54-14, a 2.73 GAA and and .906 SV%. In 50 playoff appearances, he has recorded 26 wins and 4 shutouts, and a 2.88 GAA.
At 26-years old, Skinner has played a significant number of meaningful games, including consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Finals. He is currently playing on a 3-year contract with a team-friendly $2.6M cap hit, a bargain for a starting NHL goaltender.
Stuart Skinner has been with the Oilers for his entire career and is deeply connected to the team and the city of Edmonton. This familiarity and chemistry with his teammates are invaluable, especially during a crucial playoff push, which the Oilers are expected to make this coming campaign.
All told, Kris Knoblauch will likely make the right decisions and navigate the controversy as best he can. Going into next season with an unsigned Connor McDavid beyond 2025-26 will prove challenging.
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